In an exciting development for hockey fans, Macklin Celebrini, a center at Boston University, has secured the top spot on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters for the upcoming 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft. Celebrini's remarkable performance throughout the season, which included 32 goals and 64 points, has earned him the coveted Hobey Baker Award.

The recently released final list by Central Scouting comprises the top North American and International skaters and goalies. Among the international skaters, Torpedo's defenseman Anton Silayev claimed the number one position. The rankings were determined after several thorough discussions and deliberations during a five-day, in-person session held in Toronto.

The highly anticipated 2024 NHL Draft, set to take place at Sphere in Las Vegas, will see the first round commence on June 28, followed by Rounds 2-7 on June 29. The order of the first 16 picks, known as the NHL Draft Lottery, will be determined at a later date by the league.

NHL Central Scouting director, Dan Marr, expressed his conviction regarding Celebrini's exceptional talent, stating, "The top five players in the 2024 draft class are a very strong group, but there was no debate over who was No. 1." Marr praised Celebrini's consistency and all-around ability, highlighting his elite skills and passion for the sport.

If chosen first overall, Celebrini will become the second player from Boston University to achieve this honor, following in the footsteps of goaltender Rick DiPietro, who was selected by the New York Islanders in 2000. Moreover, he could potentially become the fourth player from NCAA men's college hockey to be chosen as the top pick, with University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power being the most recent in 2021 when selected by the Buffalo Sabres.

Celebrini, at just 17 years old, has made history as the youngest player in NCAA Division I men's hockey to win the Hobey Baker Award. His impressive performance on the ice, with 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games, earned him recognition as the Hockey East Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. Celebrini joins a prestigious group of previous winners, including Jack Eichel, Paul Kariya, and Brian Leetch.

The final rankings also confirmed the top North American skaters, with Michigan State University defenseman Artyom Levshunov securing the second spot. Cayden Lindstrom, a dominant center from Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League, followed at third place. University of Denver defenseman Zeev Buium and defenseman Zayne Parekh of Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League claimed the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

As the 2024 NHL Draft approaches, anticipation builds around these talented young prospects who show immense potential on the ice. NHL organizations will have the opportunity to assess their skills further during the NHL Scouting Combine from June 3 to June 8.

The journey to the NHL begins for these promising players, and fans eagerly await the draft where their bright futures will be determined.